Iran’s second satellite blasted into orbit

The satellite, called Rasad (Observation in English), was launched aboard Safir rocket and successfully reached orbit. 

Rasad carries out topography missions and can produce high-resolution maps. 

The satellite weighs 15.3 kilograms and has been designed to orbit the Earth 15 times a day at a height of 260 kilometers. 

The orbit of Rasad satellite over the Earth can be tracked on http://www.n2yo.com/?s=37675, Alef website reported. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the ceremony, Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said Rasad possesses all characteristics of a big satellite, although it is small. 

Vahidi said the satellite is equipped with necessary transmitters and receivers as well as a solar panel, which enables it to generate its needed power. 

Elsewhere in his remarks, Vahidi said the Islamic Republic plans to build large satellite carriers and heavy satellites. 

The recent space achievements indicate that Iran has taken important steps to build bigger satellite carriers and heavier satellites, he stated. 

Iran’s first satellite, Omid, was launched into orbit on February 2, 2009. 

The satellite was designed to circle the Earth 15 times every 24 hours and to send reports to Iran’s space center. It broadcast over two frequency bands and had eight antennas for transmitting data. 

In February 2010, the country launched a capsule carrying live turtles, rats and worms aboard a Kavoshgar 3 rocket in what was its first experiment to send living creatures into space. 

The 10-foot-long research rocket can also transfer electronic data and live footage back to Earth. 

The Islamic Republic also plans to put a man into orbit within 10 years.